For Bermuda resident Janice Outerbridge, choosing to pursue a college degree was easy. Finding the right time to begin studying was more challenging, especially since she wanted to graduate from an American institution.

"First I got married, then I purchased a house, and then I had a baby — there was no way that I was going to leave Bermuda to attend college without my family," says Ms Outerbridge who also has a full-time job.

Thanks to Berkeley College Online, Ms Outerbridge is following her dream without disrupting her life. Through distance learning she is working towards a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and anticipates graduating in June 2010.

Berkeley College Online is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and offers 28 Bachelor and Associate degree programs completely online. The curricula, degrees, and diplomas obtained through these online programmes are the same as those offered to on-site students. In addition, most of Berkeley's online professors have years of on-site teaching experience at the college. These faculty members also bring their corporate experience into their teaching. Among their many faculty achievements is the "Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology" award from the International Conference in Teaching and Learning.

Road to Success in Online Learning, a prerequisite for distance learners, paves the way to a successful experience. And, once enrolled, these students have access to the same full range of support services as on-site students as well as to a variety of online clubs.

"I have found the Berkeley College Online staff to be friendly and helpful and attentive to my needs," says Ms Outerbridge, who now serves as a Mentor for new online students. "My online courses have been enlightening, challenging and rewarding."

In today's global society, students from all over the world are eager to earn college degrees from American universities, and for these students, Berkeley College offers a variety of options. International scholarships for online programmes help to make college more affordable, and students with prior college experience can accelerate their programmes by transferring credits.

Students who choose to pursue degrees entirely online save significantly on room, board and transportation expenses to the United States, while those who transfer to the New York or New Jersey campuses of Berkeley College for the final academic year benefit from the study abroad experience. Those who choose the latter option can save a considerable amount of money by staying home during the first three academic years of study as the estimated annual dormitory cost (excluding food) is $8,100.

"These international students who spend their last year on campus also qualify to work for one year in the United States after graduation through the 'practical training' option included in their student visas," says Berkeley College director, international online services Dario Espinosa.

International students unable to spend an entire academic year in the United States can choose a shorter option and study on campus for just one quarter. These students can take advantage of significantly reduced dormitory rates offered to online students during the summer quarter.

"If my circumstances had been different I would love to have spent a quarter on a Berkeley Campus," says Ms Outerbridge. "But I have no regrets. I love the flexibility of being able to work around my schedule. Online learning takes discipline, dedication, and sometimes a lot of sacrificing, but if you keep the end in sight, it's worth it."

For more information about Berkeley College Online visit www.BerkeleyCollege.edu/online or e-mail InternationalOnline @BerkeleyCollege.edu.